MAybe I should have been more clear. Lug a heater means as I move from hole to hole, not with me on the sled. If I want to jump around, say 10 holes on the edge or in the mud, I want to do it quickly, with minimal movement and minimal accessories. if I can do it without a heater, I want to do that. Remember, my two man is set up close by and will be warm, this is a quick run and gun to check out a surrounding area. Also, say it is 15 and not -15, I can do that without a heater in a thermal for a while, probably not with a non insulated. I have plenty of heaters, just trying to fine tune a bit.

It was very helpful. I was looking for someone who has hoisted them and you solved that for me. Thanks

On the thermal, not the Arctic Circle, but Canada and some times, I think it is warmer in the AC! I really do not want to lug a heater, etc with it and I could sit in it for extended periods, maybe 30-45 minutes, so in my mind, for the little extra weight, it is worth it. You are correct, if I was using it down where I Live, then probably would skip it- personal preference.

On another matter- called Cabelas last night and they simply do not carry that model and they will not special order it. Saw one on Craigsist, link from an earlier post, but they did not return my message. They do have them at Bass Pro, go figure, but they will not honor my Cabelas bucks.

So, still looking, but will probably be the Inferno, to save $150-$200, unless I find a used Hideout.

Ok, much to answer in reply. First , I searched cabelas at the onset and they do not offer the hideout for sale. Odd, as they carry a number of otter shelters, but not the hideout.
So unless you have access to a different cabelas site, I can’t find one there. Send link please if you find it. Thanks

In terms of the comment about not getting a thermal, I am getting a thermal! Where I will use it, it is regularly 0-10 below air temp and wind chills, well, worst we fished in was -45, but -10 to -20 is not at all uncommon. so if you have ever fished in that, it gets cold, fast, without insulation. So that will be a must as part of this whole process is to be mobile even if really cold.

On lifting, I am 6’3”and 225 – “not as good as I once was but as good once….”. Well, you get the picture. Looks like weight of the Eskimo or otter is manageable.

Located between Milwaukee and Madison, WI.

Thanks to all for the info- looks like avoid the Clam- message received. I have had Otter’s in the past, even an old school purple Cabin, just wanted to avoid a $500 bill plus cover, but appears more and more like I just need to bite the bullet and do it. Appreciate the links posted as well. Great help and look forward to more input- clarity of thought is being developed- again, thanks!!

I already have a portable that I Pull with a tow bar behind the sled. I want to also carry a light, single man, with me. We fish in canada and it is too cold to fish outside and I want to search areas or hole hop
and it is a pain in the &$$ to constantly take down and set up my two man.

No- just got it on Saturday

Xscape at Cabela’s – link below. I have used it at LOTW, on snowmobiles pulling portables over some rough terraine for three years now and no damage. Pull out the dividers and easily carries four ice rods. Holds up to 36″ rods also, I believe. I have up to 34″ in it and still room. Put a couple rod sleeves on and you can get more than 4 in it.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Storage/Fishing-Rod-Tubes-Cases|/pc/104793480/c/104812380/sc/104541480/Xscape-Rod-Case/751726.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-rod-reel-storage-fishing-rod-tubes-cases%2F_%2FN-1102356%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104541480%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104793480%253Bcat104812380&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104793480%3Bcat104812380%3Bcat104541480

May be too late, but I have fished the Gander Mountain guide series for three years and like them very much. I tried to buy a Pflueger but they were sold out and the guy told me I could buy the GM model as Pflueger makes them for GM anyway and you can save yourself $20- it was wise advice. I have the 10 ball bearing model.